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Quiz: Holiday myths debunked

Baked goods are acceptable treats for pets so long as they don't include chocolate.

Dec 16, 2010

By dvm360.com staff

Pet Poison Helpline

You chose myth: Correct!

Myth: While chocolate definitely is on the naughty list for pets, so are baked goods. First, yeast-bread dough can result in a bowel obstruction or a bloated or distended stomach in pets. Second, Xylitol, a common sugar-substitute used in baked goods, candies, and sugar-free chewing gum can be fatal to dogs. (Note: While Xylitol is poisonous to dogs in quantities found in human candies and chewing gum, it is used in some human and pet dental products to help prevent tooth decay. The amount of xylitol typically found in most pet oral-care products is very small and, when used properly, is not expected to cause poisoning unless the dog ingests a very large amount.)

Threat to pets: Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can cause liver damage to dogs. Cats and people do not experience this problem. The typical dose needed to cause poisoning is at least 0.05 grams per pound of body weight.